A new S-Class is out, and a new C-Class is in, which means the next generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has entered testing. The middle child of Mercedes-Benz’s rear-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive sedan trio has been spotted undergoing snow testing ahead of its expected release in time for 2024.
The design language of the W214 E-Class is evolutionary, and, as expected from a Mercedes-Benz sedan, there is a strong family resemblance with other model lines, in this case, the C-Class and the S-Class.
The sides appear to showcase cleaner details, as has become common with redesigned Mercedes models, while the seen prototypes feature flush-fitting door handles.
The headlights seem to be larger and more angular, and the grille appears larger and lower, taking on a more shield-like shape.
A range of 48V semi-hybrid turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel propulsion systems is expected, along with plug-in hybrid options.
The current W213 model received a facelift for 2021 that visually aligned it with the redesigned S-Class and E-Class, at least externally.
Where the W214 will likely see its most substantial visual change is in the cabin, and the redesigned model is expected to adopt a vertically styled touchscreen infotainment system like its smaller and larger siblings.
The C-Class offers a choice of 9.5 or 11.9-inch screens and digital instrument clusters of 10.25 or 12.3 inches, while the S-Class comes with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Both run on a new generation of Mercedes’ MBUX system.
It is unclear whether the E-Class will follow the smaller C-Class in offering only four-cylinder powertrains both in the mainstream lineup and the AMG E-Class.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available with a selection of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, one of which is coupled with a plug-in hybrid system.
However, moving up to the AMG range offers a turbocharged inline-six engine in the E53 and a twin-turbo V8 in the E63.
Turbocharged diesel engines, phased out in 2021, remain available in Europe. The E450 has also been discontinued, though it continues to be available in Europe, now featuring a turbocharged inline-six instead of the previous twin-turbo V6.
The E-Class will soon have company in the middle of the Mercedes-Benz sedan lineup in the form of the EQE.
With a radically different silhouette from the more conventional E-Class, along with the option of Mercedes’ massive new MBUX Hyperscreen, the EQE rides on a dedicated electric platform. It is due here in the second half of 2022.
